Meaning of Vidofnir | Babel Free

Definitions

A mythological bird (variously, a falcon or a rooster) that inhabits the top of Mímameiðr, a tree identified with Yggdrasil; sometimes positioned on the brow of another cosmic bird.

Norse

Equivalents

Examples

“The special magic that lay within Laevatein's powers was such that it was the only weapon that could kill the cock Vidofnir ("Tree Snake").”

“2003, William P. Reaves (translator), Viktor Rydberg, Our Fathers' Godsaga: Retold for the Young, [1887, Viktor Rydberg, Fädernas Gudasaga berättad för Ungdomen], iUniverse, page 203, In the poem Fjölsvinnsmál, which portrays Svipdag's arrival in Asgard, Svipdag asks the guardian by the gate under what condition it would be possible to persuade the subterranean dis Sinmara (the "sinew maimer" Mimir-Nidhad's queen) to surrender the sword she keeps. The guardian replies that Sinmara is gripped by a severe sorrow for which Vidofnir has compassion; she will only be happy again, if a luminous sickle, lying among Vidolfnir′s völnur, is given to her.”

“18 Vidofnir: in v. 24 it is revealed that Vidofnir is a cockerel roosting in the tree of Mimi. […] 24 Sinmara: probably a giantess, cf. 'pale giantess' in v. 29. How Vidofnir oppresses her is not clear.”

“2019, Glenn Searfoss, Cycles of Norse Mythology, Andrews UK (Acorn Books), unnumbered page, "The unbidden visitor can pass their sleepless watch by offering up two morsels stripped from beneath the wings of the gay cock, Vidofnir. It is a treat they cannot resist; when tossed at their feet it will allow a man to slip by while they eat."”

CEFR level